With the industry being profoundly male-dominated, Shred One has experienced her fair share of misconceptions. Even at her own performances, sometimes people can jump to conclusions about who she is as a person and an artist. She remembers with annoyance how often she has been mistaken for a groupie or girlfriend of male DJs while backstage. Though similar situations of the past used to be an issue, she has learned over the years that brushing it off and staying zoned in to her own situation works better in the end.

“I let my DJing do the talking,” she says.

Reasoning for minimal recognition and visibility of female spinners, in comparison to their male counterparts, is plausible to be rooted in sexism; nevertheless, Shred One does not feel that the major players and influencers in the industry are the ones solely culpable.

“I have to put blame on the female “DJs” that use their sexuality instead of their skill to be recognized,” she says. “Djing, as a form of hip-hop, has always been about “show and prove,” so when there’s a female DJing in nothing but a bikini on, it makes it really hard for those who actually have skill to be respected.”

Going back in time, Shred One has always had music in her life in some way, shape, or form.

“I was a dancer before I started DJing, so I always had a love for rhythm and performing, as well as the understanding of the connection between music and movement,” she explains.

She also shared a special connection with her brothers through music, whose knowledge was a factor in facilitating the solid foundation for who she is musically today. They schooled her on a diverse set of musicians and producers; and, arguably the most essential thing to a DJ, vinyl and the exploration of examining records.

“Growing up my favorite day of the week was Friday; because that was the day my brother Glenn would always take me to the record store and buy me a Cassingle. I will never forget our weekly trips,” she says.

“My brothers also taught me how to follow the careers of producers of songs that I loved, so I always came into the store knowing exactly what I wanted. I guess you could say that I was “looking for the perfect beat.” I still have that same drive when I go digging for records today.”

Not many brothers would let their kid sister tag along with them, but good thing for Shred One she was an exception, at least once a week.

Classical composer Johannes Brahms once said, “Without craftsmanship, inspiration is a mere reed shaken in the wind.” This speaks to the idea that without talent, creativity and innovation, music cannot transcend and invigorate the soul. Shred One would not have made it this far had she not an iota of skill. From the praises of her colleagues, she is well versed in the ability to listen and mix well.

RRS Feed group mate Chua boasted, “By technical skill she’s a DJ, but she has the heart of a soul singer. She knows what sounds good, what moves people, what makes others dance, and what sounds complement each other.”

Roz also articulated on her splendor stating that “she has always brought a sophisticated, soulful flavor on the turntables with an impeccable selection of music and a keen ear for smooth, face-melting blends. She holds her standards high for finding those unsung ’80s soul and funk sounds on wax. I continue to be inspired by her style and skills that only shine brighter through the authentic path that she has carved for herself in the music industry.”

Brahms too was indicative of the ability to inspire. Shred One stated that life experiences motivate her work conceptually. This makes for an assorted and flavorful recipe of perpetual evolution.

“I strive to create a style and sound that reflects my life’s journey,” she says.

On top of all that is new going on in her life, Shred One juggles managing Chicago based record label, Cherries Records, of which she is the co-founder and co-owner. Their vision is to “bring a fresh, alternative sound to [classic] R&B and funk music.”

She runs Cherries Records with partner in crime, producer Andrew Brearley (A.K.A. Meaty Ogre), who also happens to be her fiancée.

“When I first met her, I could see her hunger and drive for DJing right away,” says Brearley, who also regarded her “natural flow” and “finesse.” “She takes her work seriously, which comes across in everything she does [in life].”

Shred One says she hopes to release more music with Cherries Records, inclusive of the label’s first album release in May 2012.

The future looks bright for Shred One with no signs of her soul train stopping any time soon. In addition to growing her record label, she also wants to continue to flourish as an artist by keeping abreast of production techniques and touring. With the self-awareness and assurance in distinguishing who she is as a person and creative, this bird and her beat will keep people moving and grooving for years to come: “Keep the beat/Don’t ever let it end…”

Catch Shred One every fourth Friday on WBEW-FM 89.5 FM Chicago or streaming live on www.vocalo.org during the Vocalo Friday Night DJ Series; every first Thursday at The Whistler (2421 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, 60647) for her boogie/funk monthly Maxx Traxx; and, every fourth Saturday at Murasaki Lounge (211 E. Ontario, Chicago, 60611). For more information, visit www.soundcloud.com/shred-one.

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